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It was, of course, to be expected that the coming into operation
of such a vast scheme as the National Health Service would produce
certain difficulties and anomalies. There can be little doubt
that these problems will be resolved in time. Meanwhile, as T have
already suggested, we should not look for difficulties, but should
rather apply our whole energies to the important task to hand.
One way and another, it is to be hoped that the Annual
Report of the Medical Officer of Health of a district such as
Southgate is not now regarded as a mass of dry, relatively unimportant
statistics, of no great interest except to the expert. Although
it is by no means so easy now to clothe the bare bones of an
Annual Report with attractive material, there is quite sufficient
left to paint a picture which should still appeal. This I have
attempted to do, so far as is practicable. This Report continues to
represent the yearly appraisal of Southgate's health. As such, I
trust that it will be as acceptable to the Borough Council as were
its predecessors.
I should like once again to express my sincere thanks to the
members of the Borough Council, more especially to the members
of the Public Health Committee, for their constant support.
Without this support, my own work, and the work of the Public
Health Department as a whole, would undoubtedly suffer. I should
also like to thank the staff of the Public Health Department for
their loyalty and efficiency throughout the year. I would particularly
mention the work of Mr. A. E. Gooday, Chief Sanitary
Inspector, who has had to accept added responsibility following
the wider duties which I have recently undertaken.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
W. C. HARVEY,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall,
Palmers Green, N.13.
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